Q Collection Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based apparel manufacturer recognised for its operational excellence and product diversification, has launched manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka with a strategic support from Hela Apparel Holdings PLC, a leading global apparel solutions provider.

As part of this process, Q Collection has acquired and assumed operational control of Hela Group’s subsidiary, Jinadasa Bennett (Private) Limited.  The transaction includes the transfer of operational assets and employees based at these manufacturing sites.

All employees at the manufacturing facilities have been offered continued employment under their existing terms, with no loss of accumulated benefits, ensuring workforce continuity and operational stability.

“This initiative reflects Q Collection’s commitment to delivering world-class manufacturing solutions in collaboration with globally renowned apparel brands” said Senthil Selvan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Q Collection.

“We are expanding our manufacturing footprint to enhance supply chain resilience and evolve into a multi-country apparel producer. Sri Lanka was selected for its strengths in high-end, ethical manufacturing—particularly in the underwear category. We are proud to collaborate with Hela Apparel Holdings in this strategic move to establish a strong foundation in the country and execute our long-term plans.”

The collaboration supports both companies’ strategic objectives: Hela’s transformation into a hybrid model of owned, managed, and partner-enabled manufacturing solutions, and Q Collection’s continued growth across South Asia as a sustainable manufacturing base for the global brands.

“This initiative provides opportunities for both companies to unlock greater potential. At the same time, this will also support our financial targets for this year, as the proceeds will be used to settle our short-term liabilities and strengthen the Company’s financial position,” said Sanath Amaratunga, Chief Executive Officer – Manufacturing Division.

“Hela remains committed to advancing our capabilities across our remaining six facilities in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Egypt.”

The establishment of Q Collection’s operations aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional hub for apparel manufacturing and innovation. This initiative highlights the potential of cross-border collaborations to enhance competitiveness, strengthen regional supply chains, generate employment, and attract long-term foreign investment.

It also reflects the growing interest of international stakeholders in the Sri Lankan apparel sector, particularly from those seeking agile, ethical, and scalable production solutions.

Q Collection is a Singapore-headquartered apparel manufacturing company specialising in high-efficiency, high-quality production solutions for global apparel brands. With a growing footprint in South Asia and a strong reputation for reliability and performance, Q Collection delivers manufacturing excellence through strategic partnerships and leading operational practices.

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC is a global fashion conglomerate offering end-to-end supply chain solutions to some of the world’s most recognised international brands. With manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Egypt, and a brand management arm in the United Kingdom, Hela is committed to sustainable growth and continuous innovation across the apparel value chain.

In pictures:

Picture 1: Senthil Selvan, Group Chief Executive Officer – Q Collection Pte. Ltd

Picture 2: Sanath Amaratunga, Chief Executive Officer – Manufacturing Division, Hela Apparel Holdings PLC

The Government has announced plans to establish four new district-level residential rehabilitation centres for drug addicts, including Sri Lanka’s first dedicated women’s rehabilitation centre, under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

The decision was made during a high-level discussion on the Rehabilitation Bureau District Rehabilitation Center Plan, chaired by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, held at the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday.

The initiative will focus on voluntary rehabilitation, with the goal of improving access and protecting the dignity of those undergoing treatment. The first center will be set up at the Senapura Vocational Training and Literacy Center in Welikanda, with additional centres to be established in other districts based on suitability and need.

Minister Nanayakkara emphasized that the programme must be designed to preserve the identity and confidentiality of individuals seeking rehabilitation. “The facilities should be accessible, humane, and spread across all 22 districts. Establishing the first centre in Senapura will pave the way for a national network of care,” he said.

The meeting also highlighted the urgent need to create a specialised facility for women addicted to drugs, acknowledging the lack of gender-specific rehabilitation infrastructure in the country.

SriLankan Airlines has announced adjustments to several of its European flight routes, citing the closure of certain Middle Eastern airspaces due to escalating regional tensions.

In a statement issued yesterday, the airline confirmed that Flight UL504 from London to Colombo was diverted to Doha for refuelling as a result of in-flight rerouting, while Flight UL501 from Colombo to Paris was also rerouted to avoid conflict zones.

“Due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, airspace in certain regions has been closed, compelling SriLankan Airlines to alter its European routes—including those to and from London,” the statement said.

The airline noted that these route changes have increased flight durations, and assured passengers that all measures are being taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

“We kindly request our passengers’ understanding and patience as we implement these changes,” the airline added.

Passengers seeking further information are encouraged to contact the airline via:

• Hotline (Sri Lanka): 1979
• International: +94 11 777 1979
• WhatsApp (chat only): +94 74 444 1979
• Or their travel agent

The Government of Sri Lanka has called on Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic avenues to de-escalate rising tensions between the two nations.

In an official statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both parties to engage in dialogue and avoid further escalation of hostilities. “Sri Lanka encourages both countries to resolve their differences through diplomatic initiatives and to uphold peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.

The Ministry also confirmed that Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions in Israel and Iran are closely monitoring developments and are in regular contact with Sri Lankan nationals residing in both countries.

“All Sri Lankan citizens in the respective countries are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant,” the statement added.

Sri Lanka’s call for diplomacy comes amid heightened international concern over the deteriorating situation and the potential for broader regional implications.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, held bilateral talks with German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, yesterday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin.

The high-level discussion centred on the shared economic challenges faced by both nations amid shifting global economic trends. Both parties explored new avenues for enhancing economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany.

President Dissanayake expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the two countries, particularly Germany’s substantial contributions to vocational training and the healthcare sector. He highlighted the impact of institutions such as the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation.

The President emphasised the need to transform traditional development assistance into strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships, aligning with Sri Lanka’s evolving national priorities and development goals.

Minister Alabali-Radovan welcomed the renewed engagement and assured Germany’s continued interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable development agenda, especially through skills development, technology transfer, and green economic initiatives.

Accompanying the President were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, and Director General for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, along with other senior officials.

The visit marks a significant step in reinvigorating Sri Lanka–Germany relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and political dialogue.

Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.

Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts.

Several spells of showers will occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.
Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met with United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-Andre Franche, for a high-level discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in the health and media sectors.

During the meeting, held at the Health and Mass Media Ministry, Dr. Jayatissa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a continuous and transparent supply of high-quality medicines through the national hospital network. He noted that comprehensive procurement and distribution plans are in place to sustain uninterrupted medicine access through 2026.

“All medicines provided free of charge through Government hospitals are of the highest quality, and our systems are designed to ensure complete transparency,” the Minister stated.

The discussion also touched on post-crisis healthcare recovery efforts, media sector development, and future UN-supported initiatives. Dr. Jayatissa acknowledged the recent challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s health system, while stressing that stabilisation and progress are now underway, with the Government focused on ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.

He further praised the United Nations’ longstanding role in Sri Lanka’s development journey, saying: “Partnering with the UN has always been integral to our progress, especially in advancing socio-economic, cultural, and public health objectives.”

Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche lauded the Government’s commitment and pledged the UN’s continued support, particularly in the wake of increased public expectations following the recent elections.

“Despite the challenges ahead, we are committed to supporting the Government’s health and media reforms, especially efforts that promote sustainable peace, equity, and social inclusion,” Franche said. He also welcomed Sri Lanka’s increased budget allocation for free healthcare, expressing confidence that it would help drive transformational changes in the sector.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and several senior officials also took part in the meeting, which marks another milestone in Sri Lanka–UN collaboration on public service delivery and development.